Display rack with pilfer prevention means



March 1, 1960 J. J. JACOBSON 2,926,738

DISPLAY RACK WITH PILFER PREVENTION MEANS Filed Dec 15, 1957 FIG.2

J, IR 0 F|G.3 16 4 2 2 h 54 1, 30 :2

INVENTOR. fame: Jdcafisan BY :6 i

ATTORNEYS.

i played merchandise.

,apparatus for displaying eludes closure 1 zpzrnss DISPLAY RACK wrrn PILFERPREVENTION MEANS James J. Jacobson, New York, NY. Application December '13, 1957, Serial No. 702,633 15 Claims. (Cl. 211-4) The display apparatus comprises shelf structure defining :a plurality of vertically aligned compartments, the compartments having one open side for removal of the dis- Each compartment is provided with a closure means the compartment to retain the merchandise therein. The closure means is adaptable for moving across the open side of the compartment for providing access therein.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide a new and novel display apparatus having a .closure means for preventing pilfering of merchandise displayed there- It is another object of the invention to provide a new and novel display apparatus, having display compartments and closure means for simultaneously opening and closing a plurality ofsaid compartments.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide ;a generally improved, simplified and highly, efiicient merchandise, and. which inmeans for preventing pilfering.

which straddles the open side of The above and other objects, features and advantages 3 of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description considered in connection (with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

Referring now to the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention:

1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for displaying merchandise, pursuant to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line .2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 44 of .Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is .a sectional view taken on the line Fig. 2 showing the means for display assembly; and Fig. 6 is a top, plan view of the display apparatus prior to assembly.

Referring now to Figs. 1 through 6 of the drawings in detail the reference numeral 10 indicates a dispLy 55 of .rotatably supporting the apparatus. As shown, apparatus 10 comprises a base support 12 having a vertical shaft 14 on which is mounted display assembly 16. The support 12- comprises a circular base member 18,

. provided with circumferentially equally spaced feet 20 integral therewith for supporting. the display assembly 1'6. A threaded hole 22 is centrally situated in base .18 and the lower end of the upright shaft or. rod 14 is threaded therein as best seen in Fig. 2.

Provision is made on shaft 14 for rotatably supporting. the display assembly 16, said support comprises a circular .disc 24 mounted vertically to shaft 1-4. Disc 2'4.includes a dimpl'ed center portion 26: shown in Fig. 5, "inserted in a hole25 in shaft 14'' and s'ecure'd theretoby 2,926,788 Patented Mar. 1, 1-960 brazing or welding. In the alternative, disc 24 maybe -partments 28 for displaying merchandise 30 and the like.

Each compartment 28 includes one open side 42 providing access into its interior. Compartments 28 are formed from a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal wire frames 32. Wire rod frames 32 are maintained'in vertical spaced relation by vertical rods 34 secured on three sides thereof, at predetermined points along their length, as seen in Fig. 1. Wire rods 34 further form side and rear wall portions for compartments 28. Horizontal rods 36, joining opposing sides of frames 32, are im eluded for supporting the merchandise in the compartments 28. Horizontal rods 38, secured to vertical rods 34 at therear of compartments 28 are provided for preventing the merchandise 30 from sliding out the rear of the compartments 28 between the vertical rods 34. The extremities of horizontal rods 38 intersect forming the square disposition shown in Fig. 4.

Display assembly 16 comprises, as seen in Fig. 1, four shelf assemblies 27.. Each shelf assembly 27 is disposed tranversely to the adjacent shelf assemblies. 27 with the rear corners of their respective wire frames 32 in permanent engagement, (Fig. 3) as by welding or brazing. Provision is made for mounting a pair of play assembly 16. One washer assembly 39 illustrated in Fig. 3 is attached to the lowermost frames 32. The other washer assembly (not shown) is similarly attached to an upper portion of display assembly 16 for receiving the upper end of shaft 14. Washer assembly 39 includes a washer 40, centrally mounted in the square area formed by the shelf assemblies 27, by rods 41 horizontally extending from the rear portions of the bottom frames 32. When the shelf assembly 16 is assembled on shaft 14, the shaft 14 extends vertically through both washer assemblies 39 until the lower washer 40 rests on disc 24 as seen in .Fig. 5. Washer 40 and disc 24 constitute a substantially anti-friction device for effecting the rotation of display assembly 16 relative to shaft 14. It will benoted that only a small segment of the peripheral edge of disc 24 is in contact with washer 40, thereby forming a small anti-friction contact surface.

Pursuant to one novel feature of the invention'the display apparatus 10 includes a closure means 44 for opening or closing the open side 42 of each comp-artment 28, and in particular for preventing pilfering of the merchandise 30 displayed therein. It will be noted, however, that for the display apparatus 10 to be fully efiective in preventing pilfering', the merchandise 30 must be shaped and dimensioned so that it may be removed only through the open side 42 of compartments 28. 'It is clear that the wire rod construction illustrated in Fig. 1 is adequate for protecting the merchandise 30 depicted in Fig. l, ,but it is not intended that this invention be limited to the rod construction shown.

Each shelf assembly 27 is. provided with a closure means 44 for opening and closing the open sides 42 of compartments 28. Theclosure means 44 includes a pair of vertically extending actuating rods 46 disposed against the side portions of wire frames 32 adjacent to the open side of compartments 28. Vertical rods 46 are mounted for vertical movement in a manner to be described hereinafter. The lower ends of rods 46 are inturn'ed under the lower mos't wire frame 32 for em gaging the frame 32 and determining mum upward movement of rods 46. The top portion of rods 46 are interconnected by horizontal rods 48. As ,represented in Fig- 1 the closure means 44 also includes retaining means. comprising a plurality of horizontally extending vertically spaced U-shaped rods 50 straddling ,open side 42 and rods 46. The U-shaped rods 50 are secured, as by welding or brazing, to vertical rods 46 atthe intersection of the rods 46 and the leg portions of U-shaped rods 50. The web portions of rods 50 extend horizontally across the open sides 42. Each of the extremities of rods 50 is looped around a vertical rod 34, disposed adjacent to and parallel to a vertical rod 46, for forming a slidable attachment thereto. It is clear that closure means 44 is capable of moving vertically with loops 52 moving vertically over their respective rods 34 when actuated by rods 46. In the raised position of the closure means 44, U-shaped rods 50 straddle 'the open side in a compartment 28, see Fig. 1, intermediate the upper and lower wire frames 32 defining the top and bottom surfaces of a compartment 28. In this position, also represented by dotted lines 50 in Fig. 2, the U-shaped rod 50 prevents the removal of merchandise 30 through the front open side 42. In the lowered position of closure 44, the U-shaped rods 50 are lowered until loops 52 are seated on a wire frame 32 as repre- 'sented by the solid line 50 in Fig. 2, thereby providing for the removal of the stored merchandise 30.

Provision is made for a latching means for releasably retaining the closure means in a raised closed position. A member 54 is pivotally mounted to upper rod 48 on closure means 44. Pivoted member 54 comprises a U- shaped rod 56 carrying a sign portion 58. The ends of rod 56 are looped about rod 48 forming a pivot joint thereon. The latching means further includes a horiizontal rod 60 extending longitudinally across the front portion of the uppermost wire frame 32 and secured .thereto. When closure means 44 is raised, the upper ,wire rod 48 thereon extends above shelf assembly 27 (see Fig. 2). Pivoted member 54 is extended downwardly and slanted forward slightly until its lower edge is positioned behind rod 60. Pivoted member 54 is re- ;tained in the downward slanted position by rod 60, thereby preventing closure means 44 from being lowered. To lower closure means 44, pivoted member 54 is raised above rod 60 and rotated to a horizontal position as illustrated by the dotted lines in Fig. 2. Closure means 44 may now be lowered vertically in the manner previously described. Lower rod 48 is provided for preventing pivoted member 54 from being rotated through rods 46. N The presence of the closure means 44 is effective in preventing pilfering of the merchandise 30 displayed on the display apparatus 10. The novel construction of theclosure means and pivoted member 54 in conforming closely to the construction of the rack conveys the appearance of being an immovable member to a customer not familiar with its operation. It is clear, however, that the operation of closure means 44 is simple to one familiar with it, and presents no problem to sales personnel. The mechanics of operating the closure means 44 as previously described is inherently a time consuming operation. An unauthorized individual must loiter near the display to operate the closure mechanism and his presence will not go unnoticed by sales personnel.

Provision is made for a sign holder 62 extending vertically above rack assembly 16. The holder is formed from an inverted U-shaped rod 64 carrying a sign portion 66 formed from a piece of sheet metal placed over rod 64 and secured thereto. The downwardly extending legs of rod 64 are secured to side portions of the rack assembly 27 as indicated in Fig. 1.

Provision is also made for a simple arrangement for shipping a display apparatus 10. The base 18 and shaft 14 are first separated from display assembly 16. The base is and shaft 14 are then inve ted and the s a thereby the maxi- 14 is inserted in the square section behind the display shelves 27 as shown in Fig. 6. Temporary means (not shown) is provided for maintaining the base above the top of sign 64. The resulting structure is reduced in height and more compat than the fully assembled display.

While I have shown and described the preferred em bodiment of my invention, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the idea or principles of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A display device, comprising a shelf assembly de fining a plurality of aligned compartments for displaying merchandise, each of said compartments having an opening for providing access therein, closure means movable relative to said opening for closing and opening said compartments, latching means connected to said closure means for releasably maintaining said compartments in said closed condition, said closure means comprising means straddling each of said openings and adaptable for movement parallel to the plane of said opening, and actuating means secured to each of said straddling means, saidactuating means being operable for moving said straddling means in unison into said closed position and simultaneously causing said latching means to engage a part of said device for releasably locking said closure means in said closed condition.

2. A display device, comprising a shelf assembly defining a plurality of vertically aligned compartments for displaying merchandise, said compartments having side walls and an opening therein, closure means slidably mounted on said side walls and movable parallel to the plane of said openings for closing and opening said compartments, and latching means connected to said closure means for releasably maintaining said compartments in a closed condition, said latching means comprising a pivoted member engageable with a part of said display device when said closure member is moved to closed position for releasably locking said closure member in said closed position.

3. A display device, comprising a shelf assembly defining a plurality of aligned compartments for displaying merchandise, each of said compartments having side walls defining an opening therebetween for providing access therein, a plurality of vertically spaced members, each member straddling a compartment opening and further being mounted to said side walls for movement relative to said opening, actuating means secured to each of said spaced members for moving said members in unison for closing and opening said compartments, and latching means connected to said actuating means for releasably maintaining said compartments in said closed condition.

4. A display device, comprising a shelf assembly defining a plurality of aligned compartments for displaying merchandise, each of said compartments having side walls defining an opening therebetween for providing access therein, a plurality of vertically spaced members, each member straddling a compartment opening and further being mounted to said side walls for movement relative to said opening, actuating means secured to each of said spaced members for moving said members in unison for closing and opening said compartments, and latching means connected to said actuating means for releasably maintaining said compartments in said closed condition, said spaced members comprising U-shaped rods having a web portion extending across said opening and leg portions extending across said side walls.

5. A display device, comprising a shelf assembly defining aplurality of aligned compartments for displaying merchandise, each of said compartments having side walls defining an opening therebetween for providing access therein, a plurality of vertically spaced members, each member straddling a compartment opening and further mounted to' said side walls for movement relative to said opening, actuating means secured to each of said spaced members formoving said members in unison parallel to the plane of said opening for closing and opening said compartments, andlatching means pivotally connected to said actuating means for releasably maintaining said compartments in said closed condition, said spaced members comprising U-shaped rods having a web portion extending across said opening and leg portions extending across said side walls, said latching means com.- prising a single member engageable with a part of said device for releasably locking said spaced members in said closed condition.

6. A display assembly for packages, comprising a plurality of horizontally extending vertically spaced rectangular frames, a plurality of vertically extending rods secured to three sides of said frames at intervals along their length, for maintaining said frames in spaced relation, said vertical rods and said frames defining a plurality of vertically aligned compartments, each of said compartments having an opening at the front part thereof, means for retaining said packages in a compartment comprising a U-shaped rod straddling said compartment including a web portion extending across said front opening and leg portions extending along opposing sides of said compartment for slidably engaging two opposing vertical rods, vertical actuating rods extending along the sides of said compartments adjacent to said front openings, said actuating rods being secured to said retaining means at intervals along its lengthfor raising and lowering said retaining means in unison,the actuating rods being interconnected at their upper extremities by a horizontally extending rod, and latching means pivotally attached to said horizontal rod for engaging the uppermost frame on the assembly for maintaining said actuating rods and the retaining means secured thereo in a raised position whereby said compartments are closed.

7. A display assembly for packages, comprising a plurality of horizontally extending vertically spaced rectangular frames, a plurality of vertically extending rods secured to three sides of said frames at intervals along their length, for maintaining said frames in spaced relation, said vertical rods and said frames defining a plurality of vertically aligned compartments, each of said compartments having an opening at the front part thereof, means for retaining said packages in a compartment comprising a U-shaped rod straddling said compartment including a web portion extending across said front opening and leg portions extending along opposing sides of said compartment for slidably engaging two opposing vertical rods, vertical actuating rods extending along the sides of said compartments adjacent to said front opening, said actuating rods being secured to said retaining means at intervals along its length for raising and lowering said retaining means in unison, the actuating rods being interconnected at their upper extremities by a horizontally extending rod, said horizontal rod extending'above the display assembly when said actuating rods are in a raised position, and latching means pivotally attached to said horizontal rod for engaging the uppermost frame on the assembly for maintaining said actuating rods and the retaining means secured thereto in a raised position whereby said compartments are closed, said latching means comprising a pivoted member extending downwardly from said raised horizontal rod for engaging the uppermost frame.

8. In an apparatus having a base, a vertical extending shaft and means rotatably supported on said shaft; a low friction supporting means comprising a circular disc spaced from the shaft and secured thereto, the plane of said disc being parallel to said shaft, and a bearing member mounted to said rotatable means and providing a bearing surface for slidably engaging the peripheral edge of said disc whereby the contacting bearing surfaces between said bearing member and said disc is equal to the thickness of said edge of said disc to reduce friction therebetween.

9. In an apparatus having a base, a. vertical extending shaft and' means rotatably supported on said'shaft; a

low friction supporting means comprising a circular disc spaced from the shaft and secured thereto, the plane of said disc being parallel to said shaft, and a bearing member mounted to said rotatable means and providing a bearing surface for slidably engaging the peripheral edge of said disc, said disc having an extended center portion, said center portion being secured tosaid shaft for-spacing said disc from said shaft, whereby the contacting bearing surfaces between said bearing member and said disc is equal to the thickness of said edge of said disc to reduce friction therebetween.

10. In an apparatus having a base, a vertical extending shaft and means rotatably supported on said shaft; a low friction supporting means comprising :a circular disc spaced from the shaft and secured thereto, the plane of said disc being parallel to said shaft, and a bearing member mounted to'said rotatable means and providing a bearing surface for slidably engaging the peripheral edge of said disc, said disc having an extended center portion, said center portion being secured to said shaft for spacing said disc from said shaft, said bearing member comprising a washer extending transversely to said shaft and having a centrally positioned hole through which the shaft is inserted, whereby the contacting bearing surfaces between said bearing member and said disc is equal to the thickness of said edge of said disc to reduce friction therebetween.

11. A display device, comprising a shelf assembly defining a plurality of aligned compartments for displaying merchandise, each of said compartments having an opening for providing access therein, closure means movable relative to said opening for closing and opening said compartments, and latching means mounted on said closure means and movable with said closure means for releasably maintaining said compartments in said closed condition, said latch means comprising a pivoted member engageable with a part on said device for releasably locking said closure means when said closure means is moved into position for closing said compartments.

12. A display device, comprising a shelf assembly defining a plurality of aligned compartments for displaying merchandise, each of said compartments having an opening for providing access therein, closure means movable relative to said opening for closing and opening said compartments, said relative movement being parallel to the plane of said opening, and latching means mounted on said closure means and movable with said closure means to releasably maintain said compartments in said closed position, said closure means comprising a plurality of members adaptable to be positioned across each of said compartments in the closed condition thereof, said latching means comprising a pivoted member mounted at the end of said closure means and engageable with a part on the end of said device for releasably locking said closure means when said closure means is moved into position for closing said compartments.

13. A display assembly for articles, comprising a plurality of spaced frame members, a plurality of rods secured to said frame members for maintaining said frame members in spaced relation, said rods and said frame members defining a plurality of aligned compartments, each of said compartments having an opening therein, means for preventing removal of said articles from said compartments through said openings comprising retaining, members disposed at the openings of said compartments in the locking position thereof, means for moving said retaining means into said locking position comprising, actuating means connected to each of said retaining members for simultaneous movement thereof into said lock-- ing position, and latching means mounted to said actuat ing means for releasably engaging one of said frame mem-- a ass means into locking position to releasably maintain said retaining members in the locked position thereof.

14. A display assembly for articles, comprising a plurality of horizontally extending vertically spaced frame members, a plurality of vertically extending rods secured to said frame members for maintaining said frame members in spaced relation, said rods and said frame members defining a plurality of vertically aligned compartments, each of said compartments having an opening therein, means for preventing removal of said articles from said compartments through said openings comprising retaining members straddling each of said compartments and covering said openings in the locked position thereof, means for moving said retaining members into said locking position comprising actuating rods extending along the sides of said compartments, said retaining members being connected to said actuating rods, and latching means pivotally mounted to said actuating rods for releasably engaging one of said frame members to releasably maintain said retaining members in the locked position thereof.

, 15. A displayas'sembly for articles, comprising a plurality of spaced frame members, a plurality of rods secured to said frame members for maintaining said frame members in spaced relation, said rods and said frame members defining a plurality of aligned compartments,

8 each of said compartments having an opening therein, means for preventing removal of said articles from said compartments through said openings comprising retaining members disposed at the openings of said compartments in the locking position thereof, means for moving said retaining means into said locking position comprising actuating means connected to each of said retaining members for simultaneous movement thereof into said locking position, .said actuating means comprising rod members in juxtaposition with the sides of said compartments and slidably mounted thereto, and latching means mounted to said actuating means for releasably engaging one of said frame members, said latching means comprising a member pivotally mounted between said actuating rod members and adaptable to engage one of siad frame members simultaneously with the movement of said actuating means into locking position, to releasably maintain said retaining members in the locked position thereof. I

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 465,413 Pedigo Dec. 15, 1891 1,230,234 Stecher. a June 19, 1917 1,427,142 Wolff Aug. 29, 1922 2,624,081 Schweig Jan. 6, 1953 2,784,019 Des Combes Mar. 5, 1957 

